A unique site focused on women's lifestyle and preventative cardiovascular health. From a female physician's point of view, I'll offer useful tips, tricks and information (as well as a little humor) to keep women heart healthy!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

New Year...New You?

I'm just going to forego apologizing (again) for my lack of posts recently....{who would have known having a baby would be so time consuming?? haha}....and get right to it.

This is the time of the year that we all make our New Year's resolutions, so I have decided to take the top three resolutions and give you all some advice!

1. Stop Smoking. Obviously, this is a biggie, and one of the hardest. But you know what? Good for you for making, hands down, the best decision of your life. The most important thing when making the decision to quit, is to pick a date. This date does not necessarily have to be January 1st, but whatever day it is, write it down and stick to it. Also, talk to your doctor about your options. You may be a candidate for prescription medication that can help you to stop. Also, your doctor may have other resources such as community groups, and will be able to help you when it comes to nicotine products (patch, gum, etc). Also, don't forget about alternative treatments such as acupuncture and hypnosis. I have some patients that have had tremendous results with these paths also!

2. Workout. Ah...what everyone vows to do, yet few accomplish long-term. I think the most important thing when making a commitment to lose weight is not to go so crazy right away. Usually, what happens is people make a mad dash and go crazy working out for 3 or 4 weeks almost every day for an hour. Soon, they realize this is not sustainable or conducive to their lifestyle and give up. Instead, be realistic from the beginning about workouts. Plan your day so that the workouts do not become so tedious or inconvenient. Make the workouts part of your daily routine. Honestly, the best time to workout is in the morning before work...it's hard to get that going, but in the end, it becomes easier and easier. Let's face it. At the end of the day, the LAST thing you want to do is go to the GYM!

3. De-Stress. By far, in my opinion, the absolute hardest thing to do. Why? Because so many things contribute to stress. Family (ah hemm...husbands and wives), children, schedules, work, bosses, etc...etc. Rule number one? Take time for yourself. Even if you can't do this every day, make time at least once a week for yourself. Go for a walk. Get a pedicure. Go for happy hour with friends. YOU need time for YOU. Also, make a commitment to get a good night's sleep every night. A good night's rest is not only good for your appearance, but also your mood. No one likes a grumpy Tiffany, and that's exactly what happens when I do not sleep well! Also, lack of quality sleep has been linked to diabetes and weight gain (eek!). Take home point: stress is inevitable in your life. Learning how to control your stress with relaxation, sleep and having "you" time is key to your de-stress success!

I wish you all the happiest and healthiest new year. Stay tuned for some great stuff in 2015!!!